To juice or not to juice?
There can be debate around juicing. Some say it's not beneficial because you lose the fiber and some essential nutrients and others believe in juice fasts to give the body a rest from everyday metabolism (it requires energy to digest food and byproducts are created from digestion). Personally, I enjoy juice from whole vegetables like kale, lemon, ginger, carrots, beets and celery and treat it as a "supplement" to what I'm already eating. After juicing, I add all of the pulp to a big pot of water and simmer it for an hour, strain it then save it as vegetable broth. As long as you're getting enough whole foods and fiber, I think juicing can be a healthy addition to your diet. And, now, more than ever, we can benefit from supplemental nutrition to keep our immune systems strong. See below on how to make a DIY juice using Ellie's Nut Milk Bag.
Guest blog post: Destiny Gresham, Georgia State Dietetic Intern
You can find a new fresh juice bar just about on every corner in any big city now, selling fresh juiced juices that are great, but can be a pricey. And buying a decent juicer like Hurom can be expensive. But why let your pockets suffer at these juice bars or through expensive equipment? I have an easy, nutritious solution for you! Below is a "how-to" on creating your own fresh pressed juice by using ONLY a blender and a nut milk bag. Say what?! Yes, exactly, that's what I said!
Also, here is a link to a less expensive juicer, if you'd prefer to go that route.
Step 1: Wash & Chop Fruits and Veggies
Once you decide what type of juice you would like to make, rinse all of your fruits and veggies with water and scrub off any dirt. Once clean, roughly chop your produce.
Step 2: Blend
Once everything is chopped, add all of the ingredients into your blender (I used Hamilton Beach) add a little bit of water, if necessary, to help blend. Depending on your blender you may need to add the ingredients in sections, so everything can blend smoothly. *If you own a juicer you can skip the next step and individually juice each ingredient.
Step 3: Strain Through Nut Milk Bag
Once you blend your produce, there will be a fibrous thick pulp* that will need to be strained. The best way to strain the juice is by using a nut milk bag. I used my Ellie’s Best Bigger Better Nut Milk Bag. Lucky for you, if you do not own a nut milk bag, head over to Ellie’s Best website and purchase you one! It’s so convenient and obviously very versatile. Also, did I mention? Receive 10% off by using the promo code: purelyplanted!
* Creative Tip: Don’t Throw Out The Pulp
After straining the juice, add some of the pulp back into the juice. The pulp contains a very beneficial nutrient, fiber. The fiber is from the skins of the produce and aides in digestive health. When you strain out the pulp you lose that important nutrient.
Here are some other uses for the pulp:
Make a vegetable broth
Add the pulp to smoothies
Use the pulp in baked good recipes
Freeze the pulp into ice cubes and add it to flavor water
Step 4: Refrigerate and ENJOY
You did it! You made your own nutritious juice! No need to go to fancy juice places anymore. You and your friends can enjoy the benefits from home. Most juices can last in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
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Hi! My name is Destiny Gresham and I am a student in Georgia State University's coordinated program for dietetics. I've always had a love for food. I started off in the field of culinary arts and quickly learned that I wanted to use food to help others. Food, nutrition and health go hand & hand and I aspire to make sure people understand the connection. I am excited to become a Registered Dietitian and to make positive impacts on others!
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